There’s nothing quite like the scent and taste of sun-ripened passionfruit. During passionfruit season back home in Trinidad and Tobago, my brother and I would wake up early and rush to the old Poui tree behind our house where the passionfruit vine grew, hoping to collect the fragrant fruit that had fallen overnight. On the days we forgot, we’d find an abundance waiting for us to gather for Mom to make into juice and ‘iceblocks’.
This Easy Tropical Mango Passionfruit Juice is my way of keeping that fond memory alive. In Canada, the fruit isn’t quite the same as they are imported, but with frozen pulp or store-bought puree, I can still enjoy a vibrant, refreshing drink that reminds me of those childhood mornings. I often find passionfruit pulp at Asian, West Indian, or Latin American supermarkets, usually in the frozen fruit section.
Blending mango and passionfruit delivers a balance of sweet and tart that hits just right. Whether you keep it simple for the kids or add a splash of rum or champagne for the grown-ups, this recipe brings a little bit of tropical sunshine to any season.
Ingredient Guide for Tropical Mango Passionfruit Juice
- Passionfruit Pulp: The star of this drink, packed with floral aroma and tropical tartness.
- Sugar: Used to balance the tartness of the passionfruit.
- Water: Helps steep the syrup and thins the final drink to the perfect consistency.
- Frozen Mango Pieces: Adds body, sweetness, and a velvety texture to the juice.
- Angostura Bitters (optional): Adding a few drops can enhance the tropical flavor.
- Vanilla Essence (optional): Adds a soft, aromatic layer to the drink.
- Lime or Lemon Juice (optional): Enhances brightness and balances sweetness.
Shopping Made Easy
- You can find frozen passionfruit pulp at many Asian or Latin American grocery stores.
- Look for frozen mango pieces in the same section where you find smoothie ingredients.
- West Indian groceries often carry both pulp and fresh passionfruit in season.
- If using fresh fruit, about 8–10 passionfruit will yield 1 cup of pulp.
- Use granulated sugar, but feel free to substitute with honey, agave, or cane sugar.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Heat the passionfruit pulp gently to dissolve the sugar and draw out the flavor—don’t let it boil.
- Straining the passionfruit pulp is crucial for removing seeds and achieving a smoother texture.
- Chill the juice well before serving or pour it over crushed ice for a refreshing finish.
- This drink is easy to customize, play with bitters, citrus, or vanilla to suit your taste.
- For an adult twist, mix in vodka, dark rum, or champagne before serving.
What are the best substitutes for fresh passionfruit in this Tropical Mango Passionfruit Juice?
If you can’t find fresh passionfruit, use frozen passionfruit pulp or store-bought passionfruit juice. These are often found at Latin American, West Indian, or Asian grocery stores.
Can I use fresh mango instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe mangoes will give you an even more vibrant flavor. Just peel and cube them before blending.
What’s the best way to sweeten passionfruit juice?
Granulated or brown sugar is traditional, but honey, cane syrup, or even agave nectar are also suitable alternatives. Adjust the amount to suit your taste and the tartness of the fruit.
Where can I buy passionfruit pulp?
Check the frozen fruit section of Asian, Latin American, or West Indian grocery stores. It’s often sold in pouches or containers labeled for smoothies or juices.
How do I make passionfruit juice less tart?
Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar, honey, or another natural sweetener. You can also balance the tartness with mango, citrus, or a touch of vanilla.
How long does this Tropical Mango Passionfruit Juice last?
Store the juice in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving as natural settling may occur.
How can I turn this Tropical Mango Passionfruit Juice into a cocktail?
Once the juice is chilled, add a splash of vodka, dark rum, or even champagne for a festive adult version. Serve in tall glasses with ice and a garnish of mint or citrus.
Easy Tropical Mango Passionfruit Juice
Ingredients
- 1 cup passionfruit pulp thawed
- 1 cup sugar
- 9 cups water divided
- 2 cups frozen mango pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence optional
- Few drops Angostura bitters optional
- 1 of Juice lime or lemon optional
Instructions
- Place the passionfruit pulp in a medium saucepan with the sugar and 3 cups of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once small bubbles appear, remove from heat, stir well, and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- In a high-speed blender, combine the remaining 6 cups of water with the frozen mango pieces. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mango puree into a large mixing bowl or jug.
- Strain the cooled passionfruit syrup through a fine mesh strainer into the mango mixture, discarding the seeds.
- Stir to combine and taste the juice. Adjust sweetness if needed and add vanilla essence, bitters, or lime juice if using.
- Chill before serving or serve over crushed ice.
- For a boozy version, add vodka, dark rum, or champagne before serving.
